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Government has called for improved efficiency and stronger collaboration among commercial water utilities, saying reducing non-revenue water is essential for financial sustainability and better service delivery.
Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, said utilities such as Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company, Mulonga and Kafubu must prioritise efficiency as the country works toward universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030.
Speaking at the launch of the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Report in Lusaka on Monday evening, Nzovu said the sector had continued to make progress despite pressures from climate change, rapid urbanisation and ageing infrastructure.
He said Zambia was pursuing 100 percent water supply coverage and 90 percent sanitation access by 2030, in line with national development objectives and Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Nzovu noted that the 2024 drought, declared a national disaster, had heavily affected water availability but triggered accelerated government interventions.
“As part of the drought response, over 718 dams have undergone maintenance, major rehabilitation works have been completed on key infrastructure and more than 200 boreholes have been drilled across affected areas,” he said.
He added that the interventions were expected to benefit more than two million people in drought-hit communities.
“The government has developed a comprehensive Drought Response Plan, alongside a National Rainwater Harvesting Strategy, aimed at strengthening water security and resilience,” Nzovu said.
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Despite recent gains, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including non-revenue water levels above 50 percent, vandalism of infrastructure and pollution of water sources.
Nzovu also announced the launch of the Ministry’s Change Management and Gender Strategy and Implementation Plan, describing it as an important step toward improving institutional performance and service delivery.
He said government continued to advance policy and legal reforms, including the National Water Policy of 2024 and ongoing amendments to water sector laws.
“Strengthened interventions in water, sanitation and hygiene have contributed to preventing cholera outbreaks during the current season,” he said.
The Minister also underscored the need for cost-reflective tariffs to support infrastructure expansion while ensuring affordability for households.
He called on utilities, cooperating partners and the public to support government efforts to protect water installations and promote responsible water use.
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